Asean, China introduce measures to dial down tensions in South China Sea

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The Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) and China on Wednesday (Sept 7) agreed on confidence-building measures to reduce tensions in the disputed South China Sea, as both sides seek to get out of a rough patch arising from Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the maritime domain.

At a commemorative summit in Laos to mark the 25th anniversary of dialogue relations between Asean and China, both sides announced that they will set up a communications protocol for unplanned encounters in the South China Sea as well as a hotline among the foreign ministries to respond to maritime emergencies.

Associate Professor Simon Tay, chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, noted that the latest confidence-building measures have been in the works for some time.